Located approximately 35 miles northeast of Louisville, Henry County is easily accessible by Interstate 71. If you would rather take the path less traveled, there are plenty of country roads that connect Henry County with surrounding Shelby, Oldham and Trimble Counties. The estimated population is 15,771 and growing, due to the affordable housing market and its prime location to Louisville as well as Lexington (70 miles northwest) and Cincinnati (65 miles southwest). Attractive housing options are available in the quaint downtown of the county in addition to several up-and-coming subdivisions, including a new development in the northwest part of the county that includes upscale homes surrounded by lush green fields and open spaces. Beautiful country roads border farms and homes on large lots. Notable historic sites remind visitors of the county's heritage, including the 1790 Pearce Log Cabin and the Henry County Historic Center and Museum, as well as Sweet Home Spun, a restored Low Dutch building on Hwy 421.
Like much of the rest of rural America, Henry County was transformed from a purely agricultural economy to a diversified economy with industry and technology playing large roles. An industrial park near I-71 in Campbellsburg recently received a federal grant to complete its infrastructure. Some of the area's largest private employers include Hussy Copper Ltd., Eminence Speaker Corp., Steel Technologies, Safety Kleen and Arvin Sango. Creekstone Farms Premium Beef is an international company that operates a division on 1,000 acres in Henry County. Just recently, Apollo Choppers opened a factory in Henry County that produces custom motorcycles for the discriminating cyclist. The factory will add to Henry County's growing list of new businesses and unique tourist attractions.
Henry County's agricultural heritage is celebrated and enjoyed by the public at the Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery, a small family farm located north of New Castle. This traditional cattle and tobacco farm has diversified into grape growing and winemaking and offers tastings and educational sessions. The winery also includes an art gallery that displays work from regional artists and features monthly special events, including dinners and concerts during the summer months.
While winemaking is drawing a crowd in Henry County, so is art. The area has attracted many artists, some of whom offer a demonstration in the Cook's Pharmacy locations in Eminence and Campbellsburg, in addition to an annual art show at the Smith-Berry Winery. There's even a website for artistic products made in the county (madein.henrycountyky.com) The annual Henry County Harvest Showcase in July features the artistry of local craftspeople and farmers with a true country breakfast of Henry County cured ham, locally laid eggs, homegrown tomatoes, biscuits and gravy.
The Highlands Renaissance Faire runs for eight weeks on the weekends from May through July offering unique opportunities to experience the beauty of Henry County's countryside and the traditions of some of our medieval ancestors. For the nature lover, 137-acre Lake Jericho features fishing, camping, shelters, outdoor picnic areas and much more. Henry County's most famous place is "little town of" Bethlehem, where thousands of Christmas cards are stamped with the wise men following the star. A living nativity scene is offered each year, and live animals and church members portray the First Christmas. Hungry eaters from around the region make the quaint drive to Smithfield for mouth-watering home cooking at Our Best Restaurant. Located in a renovated feed store adjacent to an old grinding mill, Our Best Restaurant also features a gift shop next door to an antique store. If you go, remember to save room for their fantastic desserts.
If you're craving a peaceful lifestyle in a quaint rural atmosphere, Henry County has much to offer. Like many who appreciate its beauty and historic ambiance, you too might get used to the hospitable nature and easy-going attitude of a community committed to making the most of its agricultural assets.
There are two school districts in Henry County: Eminence Board of Education and Henry County Public Schools. Click on the link below for more information.
Henry County Schools Show Less...
